Dothan area dentist describes lip tie and tongue tie

It is believed that up to 10% of babies who are born have a condition known as lip-tie or tongue-tie. This condition, also known as “frenulum restriction,” is a result of excessive webbing attaching the lips or tongue to the mouth. This may seem like a minor issue, but it can be extremely problematic. Some issues that may stem from frenulum restriction include:

• Difficulties breastfeeding
• Speech problems
• Swallowing difficulty
• Poor oral health

The condition is often ignored or it may even go undiagnosed over time, but with a proper early evaluation, it can be corrected with CO2 laser treatments at Biodentist Alabama. Dr. Nathan Pfister is a holistic dentist who wants to help infants and children who are dealing with this condition find a solution with laser frenectomy.

Typically, the diagnosis of lip-tie and tongue-tie is done by a doctor, more likely a pediatrician who may have it brought to their attention during an examination initiated by the parent. In addition, some mothers who are having difficulty breastfeeding their baby may speak to a pediatrician or lactation specialist who may then become aware of the issue. Unfortunately, many doctors fail to diagnose a tongue or lip tie and mother’s and babies often suffer because of it. The only way to address this condition is to release the webbing.

This procedure can be done at the practice of Dr. Nathan Pfister in the Dothan area. He can complete it with very little discomfort for the child, and because of the risks associated with the drugs used in sedation, he will provide the procedure without general anesthsia. This is done as an in-office procedure in our practice, and parents are given after-care instructions following the treatment to ensure the comfort and health of their child during the healing process.

If you are worried about lip-tie or tongue-tie and the way that it can affect your infant or child, contact the team at Biodentist Alabama today. Dr. Nathan Pfister and his team of professionals can help guide parents through the process so they can correct this issue as soon as possible with the goal of improving breast feeding, improved comfort to the mother, and reducing other challenges that go along with lip and tongue tied.

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